Page 194 - Grammar for Great Writing B

ACTIVITY 10 Steps to Composing

Read the paragraph about work–life balance. Then follow the instructions in the 10
steps to edit the information and composition of this paragraph. Write your revised
paragraph on a separate sheet of paper. Be careful with capitalization and punctuation.
Check your answers with the class.

PROCESS PARAGRAPH

Finding More Time
1 Many people try to handle both personal and professional responsibilities, which

is often an overwhelming task. However, there are some simple steps people can take
2
to put more time into their day. The first step is to set realistic goals. It is not realistic
3
4
to have 15 items on a daily to-do list. Instead, list the top three or four work items that
5
need to be finished before the day is over. Check off each item as it is accomplished.
6
7 The second step is scheduling all of one’s personal activities, including exercise. This
8
means writing down what time one will go to the gym, take a walk, or practice yoga.

9 Doing this ensures some alone time will be available every day. Finally, the last step is
10
to learn to say “no” to people who waste one’s time. For example, instead of standing
11
in the parking lot talking to a co-worker about the boss for 20 minutes, leave the office

and head directly for home. There is no easy solution to finding all the time one wants
12
or needs, but if one takes these steps, it will lead one in the right direction.

1. In sentence 1, change the subject Many people try to Trying.

2. Because sentence 1 now begins with a gerund, omit which and the comma. The
verb is now agrees with the subject Trying.

3. In sentence 2, replace some with the more specific term three.

4. Sentence 4 gives an example for sentence 3. Begin sentence 4 with For example.
5. In sentence 7, change the verb is to requires.

6. In sentence 9, change alone to the more academic term private.

7. In sentence 10, replace to learn to say “no” to with the more formal infinitive to
avoid.

184 Unit 13 Using Gerunds and Infinitives

Copyright 2018 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved. May not be copied, scanned, or duplicated, in whole or in part. Due to electronic rights, some third party content may be suppressed from the eBook and/or eChapter(s).
Copyright 2018 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved. May not be copied, scanned, or duplicated, in whole or in part. Due to electronic rights, some third party content may be suppressed from the eBook and/or eChapter(s).
Editorial review has deemed that any suppressed content does not materially affect the overall learning experience. Cengage Learning reserves the right to remove additional content at any time if subsequent rights restrictions require it.
Editorial review has deemed that any suppressed content does not materially affect the overall learning experience. Cengage Learning reserves the right to remove additional content at any time if subsequent rights restrictions require it.
Copyright 2018 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved. May not be copied, scanned, or duplicated, in whole or in part. WCN 02-200-203
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